Villa María is the second of the De Las Carreras family lodges to open on the Rio Grande, after Kau Tapen, and has offered small private groups exciting fishing on some of the most productive pools in the lower river since 1994. Unlike Kau Tapen, which is located on the middle river, Villa María offers anglers first crack at newly arrived Sea Trout on the lower Río Grande. For fishermen who enjoy the challenges and rewards of two-handed rods, this is a dream come true! With friendly and dedicated house staff and guides, Villa María is very well suited to caring for small groups of friends and family.
WHY CHOOSE VILLA MARÍA LODGE?
- Space for only 6 anglers and private access to 20km of the best fly water on the lower Rio Grande, an exclusive haven for small groups of discerning anglers.
- Villa María is a spey anglers paradise – long flat pools means less casting and more fishing.
- The longest pools with Sea Run Trout fresh from the sea.
- Extensive beats make it possible to find a pool where wind is a help – not a hindrance.
- Each week starts with an evening warm up session.
- In order to maximize your time on the river, there is a cabin on the river bank for lunch and siesta, a stunning setting in the wilds of Tierra del Fuego which allows anglers to fish more and drive less.
- The best lodge services and hospitality – over 80% of our anglers are repeat guests.
- A la carte menu, true five star accommodations and excellent equipment means you will be fishing in both style and comfort.
- A mix of the world’s best guides, both local and international, to make sure we combine local knowledge with world class technique. Guides rotate each day – you learn more and enjoy more.
THE LOCATION
Coordinates: 53°51’27.7″S 67°47’00.7″W
The lodge is located on the banks of the Rio Grande, in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina; Just a few miles above the tidal influence. In the modern era, starting with the opening of Kau Tapen Lodge in the early ’80s, the Rio Grande has become the most productive sea-run trout fishery in the world. While trout numbers fluctuate with conditions at sea, tides, water levels, and a host of other natural factors–the fact is–we release 20 pound trout at Villa Maria each week of the season. A fish or two a day is the norm given average water conditions–but 6-8 fish days happen all the time! You’ll fish both banks. Big pools and double-handers are the norm.
The lodge itself reminds many of the world’s best salmon camps, warm, cozy, with cuisine and service at a very high level. Guides know the pools, the fish and the fishing; days are spent on the water, with classic “huts” for midday breaks. The Rio Grande flows from west to east, from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, through approximately 60 miles of Argentine territory. The landscape of Tierra del Fuego is reminiscent of Wyoming or the Scottish low country. It includes sparsely populated wilderness, large sheep farming estancias, and wild herds of llama-like Guanacos, as well as plentiful red fox populations and condors.
Getting There
Guests fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina, and typically overnight there, with a day to spend touring this wonderful city. Arrival day at Villa María is set for Friday. Commercial airlines fly from Buenos Aires to the airport of Rio Grande (3-hour flight), where a lodge representative will meet you. The transfer from Rio Grande airport to the lodge takes 30 minutes. On arrival at the lodge, guests are welcomed with cocktails by the entire Villa Maria staff.